There you are. Rest easy little non European mermaids and Flippers.......

Time for a coffee.

__________________

__________________- Never test how deep the water is with both feet -
10% of conflicts are due to different opinions. 90% by the tone of voice.
Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.

You must be on the cusp Kenomac or have you already been "out" and then back again?

__________________- Never test how deep the water is with both feet -
10% of conflicts are due to different opinions. 90% by the tone of voice.
Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.

Good info but keep in mind this isn't relevant for many situations and will depend on the vessels country of registration and the owners nationality as well as where the yacht was purchased and if it's new or used. For example buying a used yacht in the EU zone may have a maximum of 6 months VAT exemption as standard. British buyers buying new may also have a maximum of 3 months. The information above is the usual scenario for non EU citizens importing or exporting a yacht but it's worth clarifying for the specific situation intended.

Here's my cockpit view until I launch on June 10th. I decided to stay in my current digs for two extra weeks to get some minor work done. With the extra time, I don't have to be in a hurry... no pressure. I have an excellent Chandlery within 3km and a Supermarket within 2km... Perfect!

Good info but keep in mind this isn't relevant for many situations and will depend on the vessels country of registration and the owners nationality as well as where the yacht was purchased and if it's new or used. For example buying a used yacht in the EU zone may have a maximum of 6 months VAT exemption as standard. British buyers buying new may also have a maximum of 3 months. The information above is the usual scenario for non EU citizens importing or exporting a yacht but it's worth clarifying for the specific situation intended.

Monte,

A boat owned by a non EU citizen would just need to leave the VAT zone for just a single day, then the above scenario would apply. UK citizens have their own unique issues when trying to avoid VAT, because the UK is in fact part of the VAT zone. At least past leaders in the Britain had the foresight to retain their own currency.

It's nearly impossible for EU citizens living in a VAT zone to avoid paying the VAT.

Good info but keep in mind this isn't relevant for many situations and will depend on the vessels country of registration and the owners nationality as well as where the yacht was purchased and if it's new or used. For example buying a used yacht in the EU zone may have a maximum of 6 months VAT exemption as standard. British buyers buying new may also have a maximum of 3 months. The information above is the usual scenario for non EU citizens importing or exporting a yacht but it's worth clarifying for the specific situation intended.

Country of registration is irrelevant., except that it may give a hint of true country of residence of the owner.

Citizenship of owner is also irrelevant; what matters if whether the owner is "established" in the EU VAT territory.

There is a way for established EU residents (also open to non-EU citizens) to pay a relatively lower VAT by registering their boat in Holland where it is 21%.

And good news for us who reside in the old world and want to bring our gal over from afar:

it is now possible for established EU citizens to import a boat into Europe without going through the whole certificate of conformity bit (which, since the EU was established, became impossible to obtain for an old boat - like-my-to-be-gal who will be about 30-some years old).

There is a way for established EU residents (also open to non-EU citizens) to pay a relatively lower VAT by registering their boat in Holland where it is 21%.

And good news for us who reside in the old world and want to bring our gal over from afar:

it is now possible for established EU citizens to import a boat into Europe without going through the whole certificate of conformity bit (which, since the EU was established, became impossible to obtain for an old boat - like-my-to-be-gal who will be about 30-some years old).

When I actually get my gal and go through the process, I'll come back to give feedback.

21% is not attractive. The UK is 20% and has a super simple small ship register. Luxembourg is the lowest at 17%. I believe the best may be Malta at 18%, especially as they will agree favourable base values.

21% is not attractive. The UK is 20% and has a super simple small ship register. Luxembourg is the lowest at 17%. I believe the best may be Malta at 18%, especially as they will agree favourable base values.

Hi. Yes, yes, I agree that 21% is attractive, that is unless you are trying to import a boat that doesn't qualify for the Certificate of Conformity, which is required otherwise.

A boat owned by a non EU citizen would just need to leave the VAT zone for just a single day, then the above scenario would apply. UK citizens have their own unique issues when trying to avoid VAT, because the UK is in fact part of the VAT zone. At least past leaders in the Britain had the foresight to retain their own currency.

It's nearly impossible for EU citizens living in a VAT zone to avoid paying the VAT.

But that doesn't stop some from trying.

Is there not some rule along the lines that time spent in a marina over the winter is the same as the bond scenario - i.e. you have to leave the country and your yacht must be under contract in a marina, and this time will be added to the 18 months?

Is there not some rule along the lines that time spent in a marina over the winter is the same as the bond scenario - i.e. you have to leave the country and your yacht must be under contract in a marina, and this time will be added to the 18 months?

No. The boat needs to be placed in a customs bond and the owner needs to leave... to be in a proper customs bond. Properly sealed up by government customs agents, and money spent for the proper paperwork and fees. It's not cheap... usually around 300 euros to go into bond and 300 euros to release the bond.